For a flat fee of 20,000 yen (10,000 yen for children), you can be anywhere from gazing up at the 350-year-old pagoda of Saisho-in Temple in Aomori and taking a stroll in the old castle town of Kakunodate where authentic samurai-era architecture still remains, to attempting the wanko soba (buckwheat noodle) challenge in Iwate and dipping into a hot spring among the fantastical mountains of Yamagata.

The writers of Jarman International recently collaborated with Japan Today to publish an article highlighting everything you need to know about this rail pass, which you can read HERE.

In late October, two of our JI Core 50 members, Daniel Moore and Adam Fulford visited Tohoku to explore its wonders. You can read about their experiences below, and find out what makes this region of Japan so special.

Daniel’s experience in Fukushima Prefecture HERE. Adam’s travel to Yamagata Prefecture HERE.

The post Here is everything you need to know about the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) appeared first on Jarman International KK.

From trying on traditional samurai gear at Tsuruga Castle and visiting the only double spiral staircase in the world at the over 200-year-old Sazaedo Temple, to dipping into the wild Numajiri hot spring surrounded by dynamic volcanic valleys – Fukushima Prefecture (and the Tohoku region at large), is a true hidden gem in Japan.

However, according to Daniel, what makes Fukushima special goes beyond the vast mountains, delicious cuisine, and old Japanese architecture that still remains…the region’s true appeal lies in the people.

I don’t know if it’s partly because everyone had to come together during and after the Great East Japan Earthquake, but people are so welcoming and warm everywhere I go. From the waiter at the traditional ryokan inn kindly recommending the order to drink our sake, our guide sharing the over 350-year history of Numajiri hot spring, to getting free ramen and sake tastings at various humble shops, everyone is so passionate about sharing their culture with visitors. Locals are incredibly proud of their region’s unique story, which is also evident from the fact that they don’t try to hide their charming dialect. They embrace and retain their Fukushima-ness wherever they go, whomever they are with. If you don’t speak Japanese, you will just have to take my word for it. The people always make me want to travel back and I guarantee you’ll feel the same way too. Cheers to that! #FukushimaFriendly

Read more about Daniel’s Fukushima adventure in his newsletter HERE.

The post Discovering #FukushimaFriendly – Read all about JI Core 50 member Daniel Moore’s recent adventure in northeast Japan! appeared first on Jarman International KK.